Russia

This will mark our fifth summer working with children throughout the Smolensk region of Russia. Fellowship has been blessed to build playgrounds and establish feeding centers in some extremely poor villages. This is a picture of the feeding center we built in Desna last summer. I made my first trip to Russia back in 1997 when I was on staff at a church in Jacksonville, Florida. It was my first experience working in another culture. To be honest I never planned to go back. I thought it would be cool to travel to different countries all over the world and experience many different cultures. God had different plans for me.

This June, we will be taking a team of volunteers to Russia as we attempt to build our largest playground to date for needy children. God has led us to an orphanage with 240 children. Two swings. That’s it. That is what these kids have to play on when they go outside. This summer we are going to change that. We are going to make a difference in the lives of these children. Helping kids has a way of changing you forever. I remember singing a song when I was a kid about Jesus loving all the little children of the world – about how precious they are to him. James said that true religion is reaching out to help orphans and widows.

If you have never been on a mission trip let me encourage you to take the plunge. Live different. Live dangerous. Get outside your comfort zone. I promise you will never be the same. If your church isn't taking a trip this summer come with us. We would love to have you. You can contact our office if you would like more information on this year’s trip. We will be finalizing our roster in the next few weeks.